Nakalembe bags fifth Entebbe Ladies Open title

Mar 03, 2019

Playing off handicap 3, Nakalembe returned 152 gross over 36 holes to claim her fifth championship in what has become a routine win on her home course.

 

After winning her fourth Castle Lite Entebbe Ladies Open championship last year, she promised to hang on to this championship. And true to her word, Irene Nakalembe marched to her fifth consecutive victory at Entebbe on Saturday.

 

Playing off handicap 3, Nakalembe returned 152 gross over 36 holes to claim her fifth championship in what has become a routine win on her home course.

 

"I have been battered away from home, but here, I'm going to hang on to this," Nakalembe said after last year's championship. "You can never get tired of winning. Winning is such a good feeling," she stated prior to the weekend action.

 

And after Saturday's win, she could not thank God enough for guiding her to another victory.

 

"I did not start well but finished well. After trailing by three strokes, I prayed and asked God to be on my side and his answer was reflected in my putting which was awesome today," Nakalembe said.

 

"For sure, I didn't think I would have it this time around because I had strong competitors in Martha and Eva but I kept my cool. I brought 35 gross on the front nine and the three strokes I was chasing was behind me and I thank God for that," Nakalembe stated.

 

She eventually won by three strokes beating Martha Babirye who led day-one by the same margin with Eva Magala finishing third, eight strokes away.

 

 Dr. Maggie Kigozi (2nd left) and sponsors' representatives from Castle Lite, Andrew Atuhaire (left), cba-Anthony Ndegwa (back), and Britam and ULGU president Eva Magala (2nd right) pose with Irene Nakalembe after the Castle Lite Entebbe Ladies Open at Entebbe Club, March 2 2019

Babirye, who last year also missed winning the Uganda Ladies Open in similar fashion blamed her inexperience in such big moments.

 

"I'm not used to playing with high handicapped players that is my biggest undoing but Nakalembe had a good game too. She putted well while my putting deserted me but I'm now going to start training with the single handicappers," Babirye stated.

 

Peace Kabasweka finished fourth overall on 169 while Harriet Kitaka's 172 gross had him finishing fifth.

 

The first ever Pro Challenge in recognition of the only lady pro Flavia Namakula, that was added to the competition was won by Herman ‘Deco' Mutebi who returned 69 gross to claim the biggest share of sh6m.

 

Doctor Maggie Kigozi and sponsors' representatives from Castle Lite, Britam and Commercial Bank of Africa gave away prizes to the different winners.

 

Castle Lite Entebbe Ladies Open

 

Top five

 

Irene Nakalembe 78; 74 152

 

Martha Babirye    75; 80 155

 

Eva Magala          80; 80 160

 

Peace Kabasweka 83; 86 169

 

Harriet Kitaka      86; 86 172

 

Nett winners-Silver Category

 

Sheilla Kesiime 76; 71 147nett

 

Bridget Basiima 69; 79 148

 

Wendy Angudeyo 77; 78 155

 

Bronze Category

 

Frista Birabwa 65; 67 132

 

Jovia Tugume 106; 111 217

 

Overall net category

 

Frista Birabwa 65; 67 132

 

Jemima Akikiriza 72; 70 142

 

Victoria Ngabire 73; 76 149

 

Second-18

 

Julian Nabwire 72

 

Rita Apell 75

 

Seniors

 

Nancy Mugo 153nett

 

Nearest to the pin

 

Bridget Basiima

 

Subsidiary-Men

 

Group A

 

Gilbert Kiiza 68c/b

 

Samuel Wambi 68

 

Robbins Mwehaire 69c/b

 

Group B

 

Perry Musiime 64

 

Cyprian Alibayo 65

 

Edward Kabuchu 66

 

Group C

 

Arnold Bagubagye 67

 

Innocent Kihika 67

 

Luwum Adoch 69

 

Seniors

 

Isaac Mariera 70

 

Longest drive:

 

Denis Asaba

 

Nearest to the pin:

 

Ssuubi Kiwanuka